 for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia)
In a nutshell
This study aimed to evaluate the use of photo-selective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study found that PVP is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of BPH.
Some background
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH can impede the flow of urine. This leads to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as dribbling of urine and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Photo-selective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) can be used to treat BPH. During PVP surgery, a surgeon uses a laser to burn away (vaporize) excess tissue that is blocking urine flow through the prostate.
The safety and effectiveness of PVP for patients with BPH remain under investigation.
Methods & findings
A study included a total of 100 patients with BPH. All patients had a PVP. Patients were evaluated 3 and 6 months after treatment for urinary problems.
Improvements in all urinary symptoms were noted 3 months and 6 months after PVP. The most common problems reported after PVP was burning while urinating (35%) and burning at the end of urinating (29%).
The bottom line
This study found that PVP is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of BPH.
The fine print
Some patients were on anti-clotting tablets in this study. They experienced no problems with PVP.
Published By :
Investigative and clinical urology
Date :
Nov 01, 2018
